Garlic Butter Steak Fried Rice

Garlic Butter Steak Fried Rice is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines tender, juicy pieces of steak with fragrant garlic butter, perfectly seasoned fried rice, and crisp vegetables. This one-pan meal is inspired by hibachi-style cooking and delivers restaurant-quality taste in the comfort of your home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Garlic Butter Steak Fried Rice is a satisfying and versatile meal that’s sure to become a favorite. Here’s why you’ll love this recipe:
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Rich, savory flavor: The garlic butter infuses the rice and steak with incredible depth of flavor, creating a luxurious taste experience.
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Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you want a satisfying meal without much effort.
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One-pan convenience: Everything cooks in a single skillet or wok, making cleanup simple.
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Customizable: Use your favorite vegetables, swap in different proteins, or adjust the seasoning to suit your taste.
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Great use of leftovers: Day-old rice and leftover steak work beautifully in this recipe, minimizing waste and maximizing flavor.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
steak (such as ribeye, sirloin, or flank)
cold cooked rice (preferably day-old)
butter
garlic (minced)
soy sauce
oyster sauce (optional, for added depth)
sesame oil
eggs (lightly beaten)
green onions (sliced)
frozen peas and carrots (or fresh vegetables of choice)
salt and black pepper
Directions
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Prepare the steak: Season the steak with salt and black pepper. In a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat, melt a portion of the butter. Add the steak and sear on all sides until cooked to your preferred doneness. Remove from the pan and let rest, then slice into bite-sized pieces.
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Scramble the eggs: In the same pan, add a bit more butter if needed. Pour in the beaten eggs and scramble until just set. Transfer to a plate.
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Sauté the vegetables: Add more butter along with the minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, then add the peas and carrots. Stir-fry until tender.
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Fry the rice: Add the cold rice to the pan, breaking up clumps with a spatula. Stir-fry for several minutes until heated through and slightly crispy.
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Add sauces and seasonings: Stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and a drizzle of sesame oil. Return the scrambled eggs and steak to the pan. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
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Finish and serve: Sprinkle with sliced green onions and serve immediately.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields about 4 servings. Preparation time is approximately 10 minutes, and cooking time is about 15 minutes.
Variations
Garlic Butter Steak Fried Rice can easily be tailored to your taste:
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Spicy version: Add a dash of chili oil or a spoonful of sriracha for heat.
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Different protein: Substitute the steak with chicken, shrimp, pork, or tofu.
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Low-carb option: Replace the rice with cauliflower rice for a lighter dish.
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Extra veggies: Include bell peppers, mushrooms, bean sprouts, or baby corn for added texture and flavor.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a small amount of butter or oil to refresh the flavor and texture. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
FAQs
What type of steak works best for fried rice?
Tender cuts like ribeye, sirloin, or flank steak work well because they cook quickly and remain juicy.
Why is cold rice recommended?
Cold, day-old rice is drier and less sticky, which helps achieve the perfect fried rice texture without clumping.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the steak and add more vegetables or use tofu as the protein.
How do I prevent the rice from becoming mushy?
Use cold, cooked rice and avoid adding too much liquid. Stir-fry over high heat to keep the grains separate.
Is oyster sauce necessary?
No, but it adds a rich umami flavor. You can substitute with hoisin sauce or skip it if preferred.
Can I use pre-cooked frozen steak?
Yes, thaw and slice the steak, then add it during the final mixing step to warm through without overcooking.
What is the best pan for making fried rice?
A wok or a large, heavy-bottomed skillet allows for even cooking and easy tossing of the ingredients.
How do I keep the garlic from burning?
Cook garlic on medium heat and stir frequently. Adding butter helps prevent scorching.
Can I freeze Garlic Butter Steak Fried Rice?
Yes, cool completely and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
What can I serve with this dish?
Serve with a fresh cucumber salad, miso soup, or steamed dumplings for a complete meal.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Steak Fried Rice is a flavorful, satisfying dish that brings together tender steak, fragrant garlic butter, and perfectly seasoned rice. With its rich taste, quick preparation, and versatility, this recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Whether you stick to the classic version or experiment with your own variations, it is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
PrintGarlic Butter Steak Fried Rice
Garlic Butter Steak Fried Rice is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines tender, juicy pieces of steak with fragrant garlic butter, perfectly seasoned fried rice, and crisp vegetables. A one-pan meal that delivers restaurant-quality taste in the comfort of your home.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-fry
- Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients
- Steak (ribeye, sirloin, or flank)
- Cold cooked rice (preferably day-old)
- Butter
- Garlic (minced)
- Soy sauce
- Oyster sauce (optional)
- Sesame oil
- Eggs (lightly beaten)
- Green onions (sliced)
- Frozen peas and carrots (or fresh vegetables of choice)
- Salt and black pepper
Instructions
- Season the steak with salt and black pepper. In a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat, melt a portion of the butter. Add the steak and sear on all sides until cooked to your preferred doneness. Remove from the pan and let rest, then slice into bite-sized pieces.
- In the same pan, add a bit more butter if needed. Pour in the beaten eggs and scramble until just set. Transfer to a plate.
- Add more butter along with the minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, then add the peas and carrots. Stir-fry until tender.
- Add the cold rice to the pan, breaking up clumps with a spatula. Stir-fry for several minutes until heated through and slightly crispy.
- Stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and a drizzle of sesame oil. Return the scrambled eggs and steak to the pan. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
- Sprinkle with sliced green onions and serve immediately.
Notes
- For a spicy version, add a dash of chili oil or sriracha for heat.
- Use chicken, shrimp, pork, or tofu instead of steak for a different protein.
- For a low-carb option, replace the rice with cauliflower rice.
- Add extra vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or baby corn for more flavor and texture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a skillet with a small amount of butter or oil, or microwave in short intervals.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
Keywords: steak, fried rice, garlic butter, stir fry, one-pan, quick dinner, hibachi-style